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Czech Republic Bicycle Tours: Southern Bohemia Sojourn
Day 1:
On the Vltava River
Heading south, the day blends cycling through sleepy hamlets
and rolling wheat fields with long, gentle descents through
wooded forests as you drop into the river valley. Country
lanes meet with the river providing undulating cycling through
blue-light forests. Pull over to explore the mock-Gothic
castle at Hluboká, the Schwarzenbergs' private domain overlooking
the Vltava
River valley with its beautiful English gardens. Moving
on, the route will take you along the river past the "real" Budweiser
brewery then into the heart of České Budějovice, with its
second largest square in Central Europe. Stop
off at one of the many open cafes to celebrate your arrival
in style.
Distance: 45km/28miles
Day 2-3:
Jewel of South Bohemia
It's a day of variety as you move further south, into the
uplands near a deep river canyon. A thrilling descent through
pine forest drops you at the foot of Zlatá Koruna, a 13th
century fortified monastery. Take a moment to explore its
ramparts before moving on. Soon the views of the Šumava Mountains
appear. Riding the ridge, you find yourself cycling through
shady beech
forest, before a dramatic downhill entry into Český Krumlov,
the most exquisite medieval town in Southern Bohemia, where
you'll stay two nights. Next day explore the winding alleyways
on foot and get a glimpse of what a medievel town looked
like. Eighty percent
of the old town's buildings are part of this unique UNESCO
World Heritage site. Cycle, river raft or relax on a sunlit
patio. For those eager to explore, the Baroque peasant
village of Holašovice is worth the effort as the return
is all downhill.
Loop distance: 45-65km/28-40miles
Day 4:
Spa towns and fishponds
Moving away from the mountains you'll cycle into Třeboňsko,
an area unlike any found in the Czech lands. It's a UNESCO
protected wildlife biosphere and nature reserve cris-crossed
with fish ponds and forest tracks perfect for easy cycling.
At its heart is Třeboň, a picture-perfect, medieval and minute
spa town dating from the 12th century. Take in the Renaissance
chateau, which takes up a full quarter of the town, and learn
about its eccentric owner.
Wander down the canals and join the locals for a quick
beer at the 16th century Regent brewery before heading
off for a superb dinner of the local fish. Our hotel sits
on the pedestrian only main square.
Distance: 61km/36miles
Day 5:
Lost towns of the Cold War
Cycle along flat forest tracks by fishponds within a stone's
throw of the Austrian border and across barley fields to
the UNESCO listed town of Slavonice, one of the most beautiful
and isolated Renaissance towns in Europe. Due to its sensitive
proximity to the Austrian border, the Communist regime kept
it cocooned from view for over
40 years. Take in the view from the bell tower, wander among
the fascinating 16th century sgraffitoed "cartoon" facades
of the square and shop for beautiful ceramics at Maříž.
Our comfortable hotel sits nicely on the main square.
Distance:
56km/32miles
Day 6:
Baroque jewels of Telč
It's an undulating day of pasture lands as you head north.
Slavonice's sister towns couldn't be any different. Although
they're not as visited, the towns of Telč and Dačice bear
remarkable similarities to their forgotten twin. The ride
will take you into the heart of each, with Telč being the
fairer of the two. Telč's odd, pie shaped square is surrounded
by lakes, forests and the old walls of the fortress. Our
hotel is
directly on the old square. The castle is well worth exploring
as are the grounds and narrow back streets.
Distance: 35km/23miles
Day 7: Transit to
Prague
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred back
to Prague where the tour comes to an end.
Back
to Southern Bohemia Sojourn tour
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